Yarn storming hits York Minster

York Minster’s Dean’s Park will be transformed into a knitted nature trail in June when the cathedral teams up with local craft community York KnitWits for a yarn storming installation.

The park, which runs along the north side of the cathedral, will be filled with knitted, crocheted and woollen crafted animals and plants – from wild flowers and fairies to bugs and woodland animals.

People are being encouraged to get involved with the event by crafting something to feature in the garden at a series of workshops which start at the cathedral on Saturday 18 February.

The free family friendly workshop runs from 10am to 3pm and people can drop-in to help make pom-pom bunnies, woollen weaved butterflies, bird nests and pom-pom clouds and rain drops.

Lisa Power, Head of Venue at York Minster, said: “We’re excited to be working with the York KnitWits to create an unusual installation in Dean’s Park this summer and want as many people as possible to get involved.

“The family workshop on Saturday is the start of a series of events taking place at the Minster over the next few months where people can get their creative juices flowing and try their hand at a range of crafts with help from the pros at York KnitWits.

“People who can’t attend one of the workshops are still welcome to send in creations for the garden, and we’ve already received donations from as far afield as America and Holland.”

The York KnitWits is a York craft community where people who love to knit, crochet and cross-stitch can meet other people. The group supports local charities by knitting and crocheting items for those in need and holds yarn storms – where handmade woollen items are used to create street art - throughout the year to entertain York’s residents and visitors.

Previous installations have included ‘The Plight of the Bees’ at Homestead Park in May 2016 to raise awareness of the decline of Bumblebees in the UK.

The workshop on Saturday 18 February will take place in the Chapter House at York Minster from 10am-3pm. The workshop is free and all materials will be provided. Standard admission charges apply.

Future planned workshops include two family activity sessions on Wednesdays during the Easter holidays (12 and 19 April).